Ed Vaizey prepares to take to the stage for trial of King Richard III

The Tory MP will star in a new show organised by the Shakespeare Schools Foundation.

A Conservative MP is to help decide whether King Richard III is guilty of murdering his heirs, rivals, friends and wives.

Ed Vaizey has been named as one of the jurors who will bring Shakespeare’s historical play to life at London’s Novello Theatre next month.

The Trial of Richard III will be presided over by Lady Justice Hallett who in 2014 ruled that the King's remains should stay in Leicester. Vaizey - who has hinted that he could challenge Sadiq Khan for mayor of London - will be one of the jurors called upon to help decide whether to convict or acquit the king. Also taking part is actor and comedian Hugh Dennis who will host the night as jury foreman.

"I'm thrilled to join the jury... helping to determine the fate of Shakespeare's notorious king,” said Vaizey.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for young people from the national Shakespeare Schools Festival to tread the boards alongside celebrity performers and top criminal barristers - all in support of the Foundation's work with 1,000 schools every year. Join us to make your voice heard in what is set to be a landmark case in UK history."

Richard III is the second longest play in the Shakespeare canon, depicting the Machiavellian rise to power and subsequent short reign of King Richard III of England. By taking part in the trial, Vaizey follows in the footsteps of Labour’s Jess Phillips who helped to judge whether Hamlet murdered Polonius in 2016.

The Trial of Richard III is a fundraising event in support of Shakespeare Schools Foundation taking place at Novello Theatre on 29 April at 7pm. Tickets are available here.